Florida State Seminoles: 10 Players Who Are Key to 2011 Season

The Florida State Seminoles come in at No. 6 in the BCS preseason rankings. Coming off a 2010 season with a record of 10-4 and a win over South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, the No. 6 Seminoles look to be in a hunt for a berth to another Bowl game, if not the BCS National Championship.

They will enter this campaign with a many solid players on both sides of the ball and an impressive defensive squad.

They shouldn't have any problem competing with the other teams in the ACC and will be able to maintain a solid ranking throughout the season.

While team unity and chemistry on both sides of the ball is what makes this team as good as they are, there are several standout players that will be key for a solid season in 2011.

Brandon Jenkins, Defensive End

Brandon Jenkins had an outstanding sophomore season that ended with a nomination to the All-ACC team.

Jenkins speed off the ball has not only made him one of the best players on Florida State's defense, but has also made him one of the elite pass rushers in all of college football.

As the junior grows into his size a little more, his production has nowhere to go but up.

Look for Jenkins to become one of the Seminoles' leaders on defense as well as one of the team's most key of players. With a solid campaign in 2011, we could see Jenkins as a high round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Xaiver Rhodes, Cornerback

Going into 2011, the Seminoles boast one of the best cornerback tandems in all of college football.

After an excellent freshman season, Xavier Rhodes is coming into 2011 with the chance to not only be the team's best defensive back, but the team's best defensive player.

Rhodes was, as a freshman, one of 82 candidates named in contention for the Nagurski Trophy for most outstanding defensive player.

Rhodes and fellow corner Greg Reid will be immensely important to the Seminoles defense in 2011. If the two are able to lock down opposing receivers, Florida State's linebackers can get to the quarterback just like they were able to to in 2010.

Greg Reid, Cornerback/Kick Returner/Punt Returner

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As I've already mentioned, Greg Reid and Xavier Rhodes will both play immensely important roles in 2011. The two corners make up arguably the best tandem in all of college football, but I think Reid is the more important of the two.

The junior is not only one of the better players on the Seminoles defense, but also has a lot of responsibility on special teams as well.

Reid will take over the duties of returning both punts and kicks in addition to his regular workload at CB.

Look for Reid to be one of the Seminoles most important players in 2011. If he and Rhodes are able to live up to their hype, the Seminoles will come up big this season.

Nick Moody, Free Safety

Nick Moody will resume his role as the starting strong safety in 2011 after coming off a minor injury.

Moody showed in 2010 that he can play very well in the box and is a dominant, physical presence on defense.

In combination with the tandem at corner that I am obviously so high on, Moody will help to establish the Seminoles as one of the best defenses against the pass.

The junior will have to fight off senior Terrance Parks to maintain his starting job, but a little healthy competition will only help Moody's game. Plus, Parks is converted corner who was moved to safety because of his size and really to make up for Moody's injury.

Zebrie Sanders, Right Tackle

Although traditionally not seen as equally important, Florida State's right tackle will be a key player in 2011.

Zebrie Sanders is one of college football's more dominant RTs, and is another leader on the offensive line. Sanders has the most starts of anybody currently wearing a Seminoles uniform, his leadership will not only be felt by the other offensive linemen, but by the entire locker room.